NaCRRI Updates

For several years, NaCRRI in collaboration with Makerere University-Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have been exploring the use of computation tools for automated data collection and crop disease diagnosis for cassava. The duo held a joint seminar to celebrate milestones and share experiences with stakeholders on 19th August 2019, NaCRRI- Namulonge. From 2014, when the first prototypesContinue reading "NaCRRI and Makerere University in partnership to mainstream ICT in agricultural research"

Inspired by UBIC’s various schools outreach programs, biotech students from the University of Kisubi organized the first ever inter-university biotechnology symposium on September 7, 2019. The event was attended by over 100 students and educators from more than 10 universities and colleges countrywide.            During discussions, participants expressed apprehension regarding the current impasse with theContinue reading "Students concerned about future of biotech innovations and applications in Uganda"

Limited or lack of public sensitization has often been blamed for the poor reception and negative attitude rendered to biotechnology research and its products. In an effort to contribute to changing this status quo the TELA-maize implemented a number of engagements with grassroots, “grasstops” and other critical groups. Through organized workshops and one-on-one meetings, theContinue reading "TELA-maize project in heightened public sensitization drive on biotechnology"

The African Cassava Whitefly project in Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi is set to engage a new technique to hasten the breeding for whitefly-resistant cassava varieties. The unique approach initiated by Ugandan scientists at NaCRRI involves enhancement of flowering and fruiting through the use of hormones and pruning technology. This resolution was adopted during the project’sContinue reading "African Cassava Whitefly Project Phase II takes off"

The Hon. Speaker Alitwala Kadaga in a group photo with the Minister of Agriculture,-Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, Member of Parliament for Kyadondo North-Hon. Robert Ssebunya, NARO Management and staff On 4th February, the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, led a team of leaders from Busoga sub-region to visit NARO’s research activitiesContinue reading "Rt. Hon. Speaker Kadaga visits NARO research activities; hails scientists and delivers hope"

Nanyonjo Gorrettie, a market vendor making a contribution during the meeting NaCRRI joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Women’s Day sensitizing women under the Uganda Women Network about biotechnology. In an event held on 5th March 2019, NaCRRI recognized the role played by women in agriculture and the need to empowerContinue reading "Women eager for new maize varieties"

Breeders and facilitators who participated in the introductory meeting On 12th – 15th March 2018, forty crop breeders working under the National Agricultural Research Organisation gathered at NaCRRI to participate in an inductory workshop for the CGIAR’s Excellence in Breeding Platform. The first of its kind for Uganda, the workshop introduced researchers to the purposeContinue reading "Excellence in Breeding Platform hosted at NaCRRI inaugurates in Uganda"

Participants during the sensory evaluation activities Rice value chain stakeholders on 1st March 2019 participated in a sensory evaluation event for soon-to-be released varieties resistant to the aggressive Rice Yellow Mottle Virus Disease. RYMV is a key viral constraint to rice production in Uganda. It can cause yield losses of 10 to 100% depending onContinue reading "Hope for rice farmers and consumers as new RYMV resistant varieties near release"

Participants making a group presentation during one of the sessions In a bid to boost the capacity of technical personnel to address new challenges in Fall Army Worm management and control, the maize team at NaCRRI conducted a training of trainers on 14th -15th Feb 2019. This is the second in line after the firstContinue reading "Maize researchers redirect efforts to tackle new challenges in FAW management and control"

A farmer carrying a bulky bean harvest The Legumes Research Program with support from the African Union and European Union are set to implement a new research project to enhance the nutrition and health of smallholder farmers in East Africa through increased productivity of biofortified common bean and improved postharvest handling. “This 3-year project seeksContinue reading "New project in offing looks to boost health of smallholder farmers through nutritious beans"